Despite popular opposition, voucher programs, which allow taxpayer money to be used for private education, have been steadily expanding in recent years. While voters consistently reject voucher initiatives, Republican governors and wealthy interest groups have successfully implemented them through legislative maneuvers and targeted campaign contributions. This strategy has allowed them to circumvent public opinion by ousting pro-public education Republicans and replacing them with pro-voucher candidates, even if those candidates don’t make vouchers a central focus of their campaigns. This trend suggests that, despite public disapproval, the fight for vouchers is far from over, fueled by a combination of ideological beliefs, concerns about public schools, and a desire for increased religious education.
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Olivia Rodrigo swiftly removed her song “deja vu” from a Donald Trump victory video on TikTok, demonstrating her strong stance against the former president. The pop star, a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, previously endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and was deeply unimpressed by the use of her music in a video celebrating Trump’s win. Rodrigo’s swift action highlights the significant impact artists can have in expressing their political views and the ongoing debate surrounding celebrity endorsements in politics.
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The recent US election has sparked renewed interest in the 4B movement, a South Korean feminist movement in which women refuse marriage, childbirth, dating, and sex with men. This surge in interest, particularly among young liberal women, stems from frustration with a perceived lack of support for women’s rights, exacerbated by the appointment of conservative Supreme Court justices who overturned abortion rights. While the movement may not gain widespread traction in the US, it serves as a catalyst for conversations about gender inequality and encourages women to prioritize their own wellbeing and seek collective action.
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North Korean troops have joined the fighting in Ukraine, with President Zelensky confirming their deployment in the Kursk region and their involvement in combat against Ukrainian forces. This deployment follows reports of a limited engagement between Russian and Ukrainian forces with North Korean troops resulting in casualties, as confirmed by both US and Ukrainian officials. Zelensky expressed concern about the potential for increased North Korean involvement in the war, urging for more pressure to be exerted on Russia to deter further escalation. The use of North Korean troops signifies a deepening military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, raising concerns about the potential consequences for the war and regional stability.
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Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, a vocal supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, has endorsed the idea of allowing presidents to influence Federal Reserve policy, reflecting a growing pressure campaign against the central bank’s independence. This follows President-elect Trump’s repeated calls during his campaign to have a say in Fed policy, a departure from the traditional practice of maintaining the Fed’s autonomy to focus solely on the economic health of the United States. Musk’s agreement with Senator Mike Lee’s call to “#EndtheFed” suggests a potential shift in the relationship between the White House and the Federal Reserve under the new administration, echoing the contentious relationship that existed during Trump’s first term.
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Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has accused Senate Republicans of staging a “coup” against Donald Trump, specifically targeting John Cornyn and John Thune in their bids to replace Mitch McConnell as Senate Majority Leader. Carlson argues that Cornyn and Thune are “anti-Trump” and advocates for Rick Scott, who he believes aligns with Trump’s agenda. This internal Republican power struggle is seen as crucial for the success of the new Trump administration, with the election for Senate Majority Leader scheduled for November 13th. While Trump has yet to publicly endorse a candidate, the outcome of this election will have significant implications for the future of the Republican Party and its legislative priorities.
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Despite facing a formidable Republican challenge in a heavily Republican district, incumbent Democrat Rep. Frank Burns secured his seat thanks to a strategic campaign. His campaign capitalized on his conservative views, particularly on immigration, running ads that contrasted his pro-Trump stance with his opponent’s supposed lack of support for the President’s policies. This tactic proved successful in a district that leans heavily towards the Republican party, offering a glimmer of hope for Democrats in a challenging election cycle where the state largely favored Republicans. This victory underscores the potential impact of targeted messaging and campaign spending in tight races, even in traditionally Republican areas.
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Donald Trump’s victory in Michigan in the 2024 election can be attributed in part to a significant shift in Arab American voters, who had expressed their dissatisfaction with the Biden administration’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during the Democratic primary. This dissatisfaction, fueled by the Biden administration’s strong support for Israel’s actions in Gaza, led to a large number of Arab Americans voting “uncommitted” in the primary. Trump, on the other hand, actively engaged with Arab American communities during the general election, resulting in a significant shift in their support towards him, particularly in cities like Dearborn and Dearborn Heights. This shift, although not the sole factor in Trump’s win, played a crucial role in his narrow victory in the swing state of Michigan.
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President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has yet to sign key agreements with the Biden administration, delaying access to critical information and briefing materials. This delay is partially due to concerns about the mandatory ethics pledge, which requires all members of the transition team to avoid conflicts of interest. Trump’s business interests have repeatedly come under scrutiny for potential conflicts, and the team is working to resolve these concerns before signing the agreement. This delay raises concerns about national security preparedness, as Trump’s team is behind schedule in vetting and selecting candidates for top Cabinet positions. While the Trump team downplays the impact, experts warn that this delay could have serious consequences for the smooth transition of power and the ability to effectively govern on Day 1.
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The author argues that a Trump administration will severely harm climate action and environmental protection, both domestically and internationally, putting the planet and its inhabitants at risk. While acknowledging the dire situation, the author urges readers to focus on being resolute and prepared rather than on hope. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the patterns of history and remembering the courage of past heroes in the face of oppression. The author encourages readers to be active in their communities, supporting organizations and policies that protect human rights and the environment, while simultaneously building a strong self and finding solace in personal values and community. Finally, the author reminds readers that even small actions can contribute to the rescue of the world, urging everyone to participate in the fight for a better future.
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John Q. Hosedrinker